When we pray to God, we should kneel before Him, an act of humility for He is sovereign. We should revere Him and remember that He is almighty. When we pray we do so with the knowledge that God desires to show us His compassion and goodness because He is a loving God. The love of Christ is so profound that He gave His life for us. When we pray to God we should thank Him and acknowledge that He is able “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

When we come to God in prayer we should remember to whom we are praying. Hannah wanted a child and she turned to the Lord because she knew that He was her only hope. She prayed continually and in her heart. She was pouring out her soul to God and she believed that He would answer her prayer because her face was no longer downcast. And God answered her prayer. He remembered her and she conceived and gave birth to a son. “For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:12-13, 18, 19, 20, 27)

Samuel is recognised as a prophet in all of Israel. He Lord was with him and his mother too because she gave birth to more children. God gave Hannah above and beyond what she asked for. Hannah praised God and acknowledged His goodness. “My heart rejoices in the Lord.” (1 Samuel 2:1a) “There is no one holy like the Lord, there is no one besides You, there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2)

I have learned that for prayers to be effective they must be specific, such as asking for understanding, strength or for the healing of a loved one. We should ask for things only God can give you as nothing is impossible for Him. We must be humble, submissive and unselfish when petitioning God. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10) We must be like the publican who recognized that he needed God instead of the Pharisee who felt he didn’t need God. We must recognise and give thanks to God for His faithfulness and glorify Him in our prayers.

This was how Paul prayed for the Colossians who were new to the faith. He asked God that they be filled with knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. (Colossians 1:9)

This was how Hannah prayed. She was barren and longed for a child. She prayed to God asking for a male child whom she would dedicate to Him. She knew only God could open her womb. She was humble, weeping and praying with all her heart and from the depths of her soul. She was willing to give up her son to serve the Lord once He granted her request. Praying to God lifted Hannah’s spirits and she went home, confident that her prayer had been answered. She recognised that there was none besides God and she rejoiced in His salvation (1 Samuel 2:1).